When all else fails, ride Zeke

October 9, 2015

Written by MATT HAMMOND

Ohio State’s offense has yet to regain the form it had at the end of last season when it gouged Wisconsin, Alabama and Oregon to win the national title, but Ezekiel Elliott has been able to keep the Buckeyes afloat.

Elliott, Ohio State’s star junior running back, is coming off one of the best performances by a running back in school history.

With the Buckeyes sputtering offensively and trailing 10-6 at halftime against Indiana, Elliott piled up 243 second-half yards and three long touchdown runs to carry his team to a 34-27 victory.

Elliott was named the Big 10 offensive player of the week and the Football Writers Association of America national offensive player of the week.

Elliott rushed for just 31 yards in the first half, but ripped off TD runs of 55, 65 and 75 yards to ignite the Buckeyes in the second half.

“Our offensive line did a good job, and obviously Zeke is so talented,” said Meyer of Elliott’s big second half against Indiana. “He came out the other end on a couple of them, and once he does, I don’t know if anybody could catch that guy.”

Elliott tied Keith Byars for the second-most rushing yards in a single game for the Buckeyes. His 243 yards in the second half are the most ever for a Buckeye in one half.

The offensive line, which has been maligned at times for its inconsistent play this season, took pride in helping Elliott to his big day.

“It definitely boosts our morale,” said sophomore guard Billy Price. “Everyone has been dogging the offensive line, so it represents what our unit is all about — a bunch of tough, hardworking dudes giving it their all and trying to help our team make plays.”